Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences
Dr. Bolyard focuses her practice on helping students “embrace equity-centered, trauma-informed
practices.” She is an expert in teaching, which is evident in her use of best practices
for teaching, such as the use of clear learning goals paired with research-based strategies
and formative assessment of, for, and as learning.
Dr. Bolyard implements strategies to promote high levels of teacher-student and student-student
interactions, creates inclusive content, and uses data to make decisions to meet student
needs.
Dr. Bolyard plans to continue to grow her teaching practice by “providing more meaningful
feedback”, “increas[ing] the use of modeled UDL practices”, and “mak[ing] equitable
teaching practices explicit”.
Biology
Dr. Kovacs is committed to student success and works to “create an innovative and
inclusive learning environment.” He is a highly reflective practitioner and engages
in teaching as inquiry where he experiments with various strategies, tests different
modalities, and uses data to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices.
Dr. Kovacs uses findings from his inquiries into teaching and learning to modify practice
in order to meet individual students’ needs, and he has found success using strategies
such as: a) activating prior knowledge, b) integrating diverse perspectives into content,
c) discussion, and e) the use of humor to engage students in complex content.
Criminology
Dr. LaPrade strives to help all of her students “feel emboldened and ignited” when
they leave her classroom. She implements experiential learning strategies to engage
students in real-world, hands-on, and authentic learning tasks coupled with designing
assignments to provide students a ‘sense of audience’ with students presenting their
work to real organizations within the field and involving students through peer assessment
practices. She invites students into learning through her use of clear expectations,
personal relevance, and inclusive assignments. Dr. LaPrade seeks on-going student
feedback throughout the semester and uses the data to adapt her courses to meet student
needs. Dr. LaPrade is working to incorporate active learning into the online environment
and aspires to “spark[ing] more flames for learning.”
Criminology
Dr. Sandel is recognized as a faculty member who “goes above and beyond” for students.
He strives to provide an individualized learning experience for all students, and
has found success implementing effective feedback where students are given ongoing
information about their own learning. He also uses feedback from students to adapt
his teaching practice. Dr. Sandel differentiates materials and formats for his students
in order to provide personalized learning and to ensure accessibility for all students.
2024 Finalists
- Liza Cobos, Hospitality and Agriculture
- Todd Daniel, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
- Traci Garrison, Occupational Therapy
- Judith Martinez, Languages, Cultures, & Religions
- Katrina Mitchell, Music
- Kerri Tassin, Accounting
- Alicia Walker, Sociology and Anthropology
